Port Elizabeth police have wounded a man who opened fire on police investigating complaints that suspects were in possession of firearms at a house in Helenvale.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the incident happened Thursday afternoon when police went to a house in Meralda Street in Helenvale.
She said police arrested a 26-year-old man and seized a .22 calibre firearm.
"The other suspect started running. Police members chased after the suspect on foot and when he entered an alley, he started firing at the officers," Naidu said.
"Police retaliated by firing at the suspect. The suspect jumped over a wall and escaped, however police believed that the suspect may have been shot. The injured suspect (20 years) was found at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his abdomen," Naidu said.
"He was arrested and detained on a charge of attempted murder. Suspects are expected to appear in court soon," she said.
Naidu said that the Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Major-General Funeka Siganga has applauded the members on their prompt response to the information as well as the arrest of the two suspects.
She has urged police members to be vigilant when effecting arrests as police officers are most at danger when making an arrest. "Such attacks on our officers will not deter us from executing our duties in ensuring the safety of our citizens in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth', added Major-General Siganga.
